Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Fox News and its discussion over The Golden Compass

The consistent thing about Fox News is that it manages to have every discussion at the lowest possible level. So here is an earth-shattering discussion over the new upcoming film, The Golden Compass (nope...nothing important to report from the world). The issue is over the atheistic tone of the film (and the book), which is meant to attract kids. This can potentially be an interesting topic, and we can ask the question, if religiously themed movies (and books) for kids are or should similarly be challenged? Or should we leave the films alone, and if you don't like the topic, don't see it? So below is a clip of the Fox News discussion. But please do check out the trailer of The Golden Compass here. It looks fantastic! (And, yes it has Eva Green and also talking animals....what more do we want in a movie??).

What is Irtiqa?

Irtiqa is a Science and Religion blog. It tracks and comments on news relevant to the interplay of science & religion - with a focus on scientific debates taking place in the Muslim world. Irtiqa literally means evolution in Urdu. But it does not imply only biological evolution. Instead, it is an all encompassing word used for evolution of the universe, biological evolution, and also for biological/human development. While it has created confusion in debates over biological evolution in South Asia, it provides a nice integrative name for a blog that addresses issues of science & religion. For further information, contact Salman Hameed.

The blog banner is designed by Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad. You can find all his creative endeavors at Orangie.

On Muslims and Evolution

Salman Hameed

Salman is an astronomer and Associate Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College, Massachusetts. Currently, he is working on understanding the rise of creationism in contemporary Islamic world and how Muslims view the relationship between science & religion. He is also working with historian Tracy Leavelle at Creighton University to analyze reconciliation efforts between astronomers and Native Hawaiians over telescopes on top of sacred Mauna Kea in Hawaii. He teaches “History and Philosophy of Science & Religion” with philosopher Laura Sizer, and “Science in the Islamic World”, both at Hampshire College. Salman and Laura Sizer are also responsible for the ongoing Hampshire College Lecture Series on Science & Religion, and you can find videos of all these lectures below. Contact information here.